Graduate Programs

All Graduate Programs

Agriculture (M.S.)

The School of Agriculture offers a master of science degree. The purpose of this degree
is to provide an opportunity for professional agricultural personnel to obtain an
education at the graduate level or to prepare for terminal degree work at the doctoral
level. Faculty advisors assist students in planning an appropriate course of study
to meet their individual goals and to assure a balanced program.

The master of science degree in agriculture provides concentration in either agricultural
science or agricultural education.

Applied Engineering and Technology Management (M.S.)

The Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology offers the Master of Science
in Applied Engineering and Technology Management degree as a 30 credit hour non-thesis
degree program. The Applied Engineering and Technology Management degree is designed
for individuals who wish to further their knowledge of management, leadership, and
technology. Emphasis is placed on involvement with real situations and problems. The
student, with an advisor, will develop an interdisciplinary plan of study to increase
skills in specific technical areas and to strengthen abilities to communicate effectively
in the management of technical functions. In addition to other college and university
requirements for graduate admission, this program requires successful completion of
a Bachelor of Science degree and prior completion of undergraduate mathematics and
science prerequisites as directed. Potential careers involve positions in business
and industry related to resource management, supervision and training, quality control,
environmental and safety management, and information systems.

Biology (M.S.)

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the Master of Science in Biology degree
with thesis and non-thesis options. The program prepares students to assume an active
career in teaching and/or research or to pursue further graduate studies. A faculty
mentor will direct each student admitted to the program. Research strengths of the
department include aquatic biology, wildlife biology, mammalogy, physiological ecology,
paleontology and evolution, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, microbial
ecology, parasitology, animal behavior and botany. Most faculty have research labs
and are supported by grants. Graduate education is necessary for many fields of biology.
Although some state, federal and private sector jobs are available for baccalaureate
students, many employers prefer individuals with advanced training. Sometimes the
M.S. is necessary in order to qualify for higher income or a more challenging position.
Students with the M.S. may find employment with various industrial or state and federal
agencies (e.g., fish and wildlife units, National Institute of Health (NIH) labs,
pharmaceutical companies).

Business Administration (M.B.A.)

The Arthur J. Bauernfeind Graduate Program in Business at Murray State University
has a long and rigorous tradition of excellence in management education, and a recognized
capacity for meeting the educational needs and challenges of MBA students in the 21st
Century. In addition to the main campus in Murray, the AACSB-accredited MBA Program
can be completed 100% online. Our 100% online MBA Program is ranked 16th out of 133
online MBA Programs in the USA in terms of quality, AACSB-accreditation, and relatively
low cost. The ranking was done in Spring 2010 by an independent agency, GetEducated.com.

Since Spring 2005, we also offer the Murray MBA Program in Cyprus. Our longstanding
AACSB accreditation (since 1976 at the undergraduate level and since 1981 at the MBA
level) attests to the prestige and quality of the Murray State MBA Program. However,
it is our faculty, our students, our flexible curriculum, and the variety of student-centered
instructional methods—such as the case approach, simulations and web-based instruction—that
provide us with competitive advantages over other MBA programs. Every year we also
attract new MBA students from over 15 foreign countries, making for a diverse and
lively student body.

Murray MBA students are among the very best in the world. For instance in 2001, three
of our MBA students placed 6th among 400 teams worldwide who participated in the international
L’Oreal E-Strat Marketing Challenge, beating out some of the very best Business Schools
in the world: among them Harvard, Wharton, Northwestern, Stanford, Oxford, London
Business School, and Cambridge. The ERacers team was directed by Marketing Professor
W. Glynn Mangold of the Department of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration.

The MBA Curriculum: A total of 30 semester hours of graduate-level courses is required
for completing the MBA Program. These 30 hours include 21 semester hours of specified
"graduate core" (required or compulsory) courses and 9 hours of electives. Depending
on their undergraduate major, new students may be required to take up to ten (10)
undergraduate business foundation courses.

What do people do with their MBA degrees?: The MBA is the most versatile of all graduate
degrees, in terms of the range of career options it affords you. You can use the
MBA in virtually any field, because it gives you the kind of multidimensional, multifaceted,
multi-industry and multifunctional dimension that no other graduate degree does.
And, of course, if you wish to pursue a teaching career in Accounting, Finance, Management,
Marketing and other business areas, our MBA students have gone to some of the best
doctoral/PhD programs in the world including, but not limited to: Columbia University,
Purdue University, and University of Edinburgh (Scotland).

Chemical Manufacturing Management (M.S.)

Overview

The degree in Chemical Manufacturing Management is designed primarily for students
working in the chemical manufacturing industry who are looking to increase their understanding
of chemical processes, and their ability to quantitatively optimize manufacturing
logistics.

Requirements for Admission to the Master of Science Program in Chemical Manufacturing
Management

Students who wish to be considered for admission to graduate study leading toward
the Master of Science in Chemical Manufacturing Management (CMM) degree must have
a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and have completed an undergraduate
major or equivalent in chemistry or a closely related discipline, with an overall
grade point average of at least 2.75. In exceptional cases a student with a lower
grade point average may be admitted conditionally, and after completion of nine hours
of graduate work may be admitted to full standing by that student's advisory committee.
For international students, a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) is required for unconditional admission. Applicants with TOEFL scores
between 500 and 550 may be admitted on a conditional basis, but their proficiency
in English will be further evaluated upon their arrival on campus, and they may be
required to undertake additional study of English prior to beginning graduate work
in the program. Because the selection process is competitive, applicants are strongly
encouraged to provide GRE scores with their application materials.

Degree Requirements

Each candidate must complete 30 credits of coursework spanning the chemistry and engineering
technology programs. For students who wish to complete a thesis, an additional 3
credits of thesis research (CHE 698) is also required.

Chemistry (M.S.)

The Department of Chemistry offers the Master of Science in Chemistry degree with
thesis and non-thesis options. The non-thesis option is intended for candidates with
at least two years experience in industrial or governmental laboratories. Both options
require a minimum of 30 total credit hours. To enhance confidence and poise, each
student is encouraged to participate in the departmental teaching program and is required
to present seminars in specialty areas. For students who choose the thesis option,
these will consist of one literature and one research seminar. Non-thesis students
will be required to present two seminars, one of which is ordinarily a presentation
describing the industrial or governmental laboratory experience that is to be substituted
for the thesis requirement. The Master of Science graduate program in chemistry is
designed to prepare the student for further academic work or for immediate employment
in the chemical industry. We have been quite successful in placing our graduates in
both of these areas. Our students gain "hands-on" experience with research tools including
GC/MS, AA, NMR and FT-NMR, IR, UV/VIS, HPLC, molecular modeling and other modern analytical
techniques. Active research is conducted in diverse areas of both pure and applied
research ranging from the study of novel reaction mechanisms to the analysis of environmental
pollutants.

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

The mission of the low-residency MFA program at Murray State University is to provide
quality advanced instruction to creative writers while allowing them to live and work
where they choose. Our foremost goal is to facilitate the creative and professional
growth of writers, but the degree also offers the necessary academic credentials for
a writer to teach creative writing at the college or university level. It also provides
a foundation for careers in other writing-related fields.

Of the 49 hours required for the degree, 13 hours must be completed on campus in January
and July residencies. The remaining 36 can be completed via distance learning. These
36 hours comprise three semester-long Graduate Tutorials (6 hours each), a Creative
Thesis (6 hours), the New Madrid Field Study (3 hours) and three graduate literature
courses (3 hours each). The graduate literature courses may also be completed on
campus at Murray State. (While students may transfer up to nine semester hours—“B”
or higher—of graduate-level literature courses from another accredited graduate institution,
they must complete all residencies, tutorials and the field study within the MFA program
at Murray State.)

Economics (M.S.)

Students in this program can either complete a traditional M.S. degree in Economics
or can concentrate on completing a Finance option. The degree is designed to assist
students who are interested in entering a variety of Ph.D. programs as well as entering
the job market directly after finishing the program. Recent graduates have completed
Ph.D. programs at school such as Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and George Mason. Our graduates
who went directly into the workforce are working at places such as the Paducah Bank
and the United Parcel Service.

In order to succeed in this program, students will need a good undergraduate background
in Calculus, Statistics and Economics. It is not unusual that entering students are
advised to take a few undergraduate classes when they begin their studies in the M.S.
in Economics program. Many of the students selecting the Finance option study for
the first and second exams leading to the CFP designation.

Elementary Education - Teacher Leader (M.A.Ed.)

This MA degree program is designed to fulfill course requirements for Rank II classification.
Applicants must hold an Early Elementary (K-4, P-5, 1-8) Provisional Certificate or
its equivalent. Students complete 30 semester hours of pre-planned graduate level
course work which consists of five core courses plus either an area of elementary
specialization or an area of endorsement plus one elective. To demonstrate their teacher
leadership, students complete a teach leadership portfolio plus two major leadership
projects.

English (M.A.)

The literature track is designed primarily for students planning to pursue advanced
studies. The English education track is designed for practicing teachers wishing to
improve their classroom skills while earning advanced certification. The creative
writing track is designed for students wishing to refine their writing skills in fiction
and/or poetry. The English studies track is designed for students seeking a mix of
courses (professional and/or creative) in literature, linguistics, and rhetoric. The
English with philosophy as a cognate discipline track is designed for students with
continuing interest in both English and philosophy.

Students earning an M.A. in English are equipped to enter a variety of professions,
including teaching at the secondary school or college level; careers in professional
or technical writing; careers in publishing, etc.

Geoscience (M.S.)

The Department of Geosciences offers the Master of Science in Geosciences degree with
thesis and non-thesis options. The program prepares students for positions in the
public and private sectors and for additional graduate study. The program focuses
upon remote sensing, digital image processing, and geographic and archaeologic information
systems as applied to areas of interest of faculty in the department and beyond. Graduate
students work closely with faculty on research projects and grants providing valuable
practical experience that enhances employment opportunities and supports continued
graduate education. The Department has close ties with the Mid-America Remote sensing
Center (MARC), a center dedicated to teaching, research, and service to the community
in remote sensing and GIS. Research opportunities are also available at the Wickliffe
Mounds State Historic Site, the Murray State Archaeology Laboratory, and the Center
of Excellence for Reservoir Research (CRR) where water-related research is conducted.

History (M.A.)

The master of arts program in history offers advanced study in American and modern
European history, complemented by offerings in non-Western history, to qualified students
with the goal of developing research and analytical skills, an understanding of historical
processes, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. There
are two tracks to the master of arts degree: 1) the thesis track, a 30 hour program
of advanced study requiring a thesis; and 2) two non-thesis track options (American
or European history) of 36 hours.

An M.A. in history provides excellent preparation for doctoral work, for law school
or other professional programs, and for careers in government, public and private
agencies or any career requiring research, analytical and writing skills. It also
enables teachers to meet Rank II certification in Kentucky public schools. Admission
applications for the Fall Term should be received by June 1 of the same calendar year.
The Department of History does not review any graduate applications until all materials-the
graduate application, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation,
writing sample, and official transcript-have been received. The history department
awards a limited number of assistantships each academic year, applications for which
should be made to the department's graduate coordinator by April 1. All applications
and GRE scores should be sent to Graduate Admissions, Murray State University, Sparks
Hall, Murray, KY 42071. All other materials should be sent to Graduate Coordinator,
Department of History, Murray State University, 6B Faculty Hall, Murray, KY 42071.

Human Development and Leadership (M.S.)

The Human Development and Leadership Program is a 33 hour program. There is a core
of seven classes that focus on people development skills. Then the student chooses
a concentration area consisting of 12 hours. Students with a degree in Human Development
and Leadership work in a very wide range of careers. They work in the non-profit
area, for colleges and universities, and in business and industry.

This graduate program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and the IECE certification. Completion
of this 30 hour program leads to continuing certification in IECE, and Master's Degree
in Education, a Rank II (for Kentucky) and the Teacher Leadership Endorsement (for
Kentucky).

Mass Communications (M.A. and M.S.)

The Mass Communications masters program is a 30 hour, non-thesis track with 18 hours
required and electives restricted mainly to graduate courses within the department.
Capstone course, JMC 690, is a research or professional project in selected area of
mass communications. The objectives of the graduate program are: (1) To prepare
graduate students for positions in mass communications and research; (2) To provide
a foundation for study at the doctoral level; and (3) To prepare graduate students
for teaching mass communications at the college level.

Mathematics (M.A., M.S., and M.A.T.)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers three graduate degrees. They are
a Master of Science in Mathematics (M.S.), Master of Arts in Mathematics (M.A.), and
a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics (M.A.T.). The M.S. and M.A. degrees are designed
to provide students with the opportunity to study graduate level mathematics so that
they may (1) obtain preferred employment in mathematics with government or industry,
(2) teach at the junior college level or be better prepared to teach at the secondary
school level, or (3) continue working toward a doctor of philosophy degree. The M.A.
program is a broadly based program that includes a study of algebra, analysis, topology,
and the foundations of mathematics. The M.S. program consists of a core of applied
mathematics together with a core (at most 12 hours) in an allied field such as business,
computer science, or physics. The M.A.T. program is designed for certified teachers
who wish to strengthen their background in mathematics and keep up with current information
in educational theory, curriculum and research. The program provides for both reasonable
depth in the mathematics area and graduate-level exposure in supporting disciplines.
Completion of this program fulfills the requirements for Rank II classification.

Middle School Education - Teacher Leader (M.A.Ed.)

This MA degree program is designed to fulfill course requirements for Rank II classification.
The program must be preplanned with your advisor and consist of 30 semester hours
of graduate level course work with a minimum of 18 hours in professional education
and a minimum of 17 hours of courses at the 600 level. You must hold a Middle School
(5-8, 5-9) Provisional Certificate or its equivalent. To complete the program and
graduate, you must develop two leadership projects (an internal and external project).
These projects will require approval and collaboration with your school principal
or a district administrator. For more detailed information regarding the Teacher
Leader Master’s Degree Program, please download the Teacher Leader Program advising guide or speak to your advisor.

Music Education (M.M.E.)

The Master of Music Education degree program is designed to help develop the candidate's
qualities of professional leadership. The curriculum is planned to emphasize the
investigation of important ideas and practices pertaining to school music, continue
the development of musical skills and concepts, and provide opportunities to acquire
both greater breadth of musicianship and a useful degree of specialization as it affects
the music teaching/learning process. Graduates may be public school music teachers
or teach at the college/university level. Some pursue careers in administration.

Nursing (D.N.P.)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a clinical doctoral degree program in nursing designed
to move BSN prepared Registered Nurses to advanced practice.

Currently, the Murray State University School of Nursing prepares advanced practice
nurses in two specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist. All programs
are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthetist program, is the only one offered
in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation
of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs. MSU partners in the delivery of the nurse
anesthetist program with Trover Foundation in Madisonville, Kentucky. We also have
a satellite site at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky.

Nutrition (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Nutrition Services prepares students to effectively compete
in a growing job market in which five of ten dietitians nationally hold M.S. degrees.
The 33-credit-hour master's program will enable graduates of the R.D. certificate
program to pursue additional higher education in the areas of professional counseling,
education, science, statistics, psychology, management, and nutrition research. Students
may transfer up to 12-graduate-credit hours of coursework from other Kentucky institutions
when meeting the requirements of the 33-credit-hour M.S. graduate program. Advances
in nutrition and genetic research, aging demographics, and accelerating rates of nutrition-related
diseases such as obesity and diabetes fuel the demand for highly trained nutrition
professionals.

Occupational Safety and Health (M.S.)

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health offers a Master of Science degree.
The curriculum options available under this program are designed to provide the philosophical,
scientific, and technical knowledge required of individuals seeking professional management
and administrative positions in the field. The graduate program in occupational safety
and health is designed to prepare students to become competent and demonstrate knowledge
in the occupational safety and health program options; environmental health and safety,
industrial hygiene, and safety management.

The graduate program in occupational safety and health (OSH) at Murray State University
provides a comprehensive broad-based educational background to prepare practical-oriented
and academically sound graduates advanced positions in the safety, health, and environmental
profession. The program provides the technical and professional knowledge required
by individuals pursuing careers in safety management, occupational health, industrial
hygiene, loss/risk control management, ergonomics, emergency planning and response,
and environmental health and safety. Our graduates are academically prepared to pursue
advanced degrees in higher education.

Organizational Communication (M.A. and M.S.)

The Department of Organizational Communication offers the Master of Arts and Master
of Science degrees in organizational communication. Graduate study in organizational
communication prepares students for effective membership, humane management, and prudent
leadership in organizations. Coursework focuses on various organizational, interpersonal,
and small group communication processes vital to personal and organizational success.
Students acquire advanced communication knowledge and skills in such areas as conflict
resolution, managerial communication, leadership, customer relations, team communication,
organizational change, healthcare communication, persuasion, intercultural communication,
training, and organizational learning. The program, which is theoretically and experientially
oriented, provides students with course offerings allowing in-depth study and opportunity
to pursue individual interests.

Coursework is designed for both focused study and maximum flexibility to meet the
unique career goals of each student. The program prepares individuals (1) to enter
areas of business, industry, government, and nonprofit administration, where knowledge
of and competence in communication are essential; (2) to enter other vocations where
communication is of prime importance (e.g. the ministry, law, public service); (3)
to continue study of communication at the doctoral level; and (4) to teach organizational
communication at the college level. Recent degree options in organizational communication
and the innovative “Weekender” master’s degree in organizational communication reflect
the department’s commitment to respond to regional needs.

Psychology (Clinical) (M.A. and M.S.)

The clinical psychology graduate program is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology
Accreditation Council and prepares students for certification to practice psychology.
The clinical program is based on the philosophy that the master’s degree is first
and foremost a degree in psychology, and students should achieve a broad base of knowledge
in the field. Thus, students are required to take five psychological foundation courses
which prepare the graduate to enter the field of psychology and also provide the general
psychology courses required by state licensing boards. The training graduates receive
enables them to work in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers,
psychiatric hospitals, prisons, comprehensive care centers, and schools. Some graduates
also choose to teach at two-year academic institutions.

Following core courses in assessment (administration, scoring and interpretation of
intelligence and personality tests) and psychotherapy, students complete a supervised
two-semester, 20-hour per week clinical practicum. Clinical psychology students serve
their practica at the MSU Psychological Center, an on-campus treatment center that
provides therapy and assessments for children, adults, and families from the community
as well as for university students and staff. In addition, students receive 2.5 hours
per week of supervision with our Ph.D. licensed clinical psychologists. This allows
for a fine-tuning of clinical skills as well as an added assurance that the clinician
is providing the best and most ethical services to the center’s clients.

Psychology (Clinical) (M.A. and M.S.)

The clinical psychology graduate program is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology
Accreditation Council and prepares students for certification to practice psychology.
The clinical program is based on the philosophy that the master’s degree is first
and foremost a degree in psychology, and students should achieve a broad base of knowledge
in the field. Thus, students are required to take five psychological foundation courses
which prepare the graduate to enter the field of psychology and also provide the general
psychology courses required by state licensing boards. The training graduates receive
enables them to work in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers,
psychiatric hospitals, prisons, comprehensive care centers, and schools. Some graduates
also choose to teach at two-year academic institutions.

Following core courses in assessment (administration, scoring and interpretation of
intelligence and personality tests) and psychotherapy, students complete a supervised
two-semester, 20-hour per week clinical practicum. Clinical psychology students serve
their practica at the MSU Psychological Center, an on-campus treatment center that
provides therapy and assessments for children, adults, and families from the community
as well as for university students and staff. In addition, students receive 2.5 hours
per week of supervision with our Ph.D. licensed clinical psychologists. This allows
for a fine-tuning of clinical skills as well as an added assurance that the clinician
is providing the best and most ethical services to the center’s clients.

Psychology (General Experimental) (M.A. and M.S.)

The primary objective of the program in General Psychology is to provide a period
of graduate study during which students gain knowledge and skills necessary to seek
career opportunities in governmental or community agencies, teach in two-year colleges,
or pursue doctoral-level study in psychology or related fields. To meet this objective,
a curriculum has been developed which will provide exposure to the breadth of psychology
and intensive study of those areas that are currently of greatest concern in the field.
In addition, training in statistics and research design, and participation in research
are provided to strengthen the student's command of the tools of the profession.

Note: the master's program in General Psychology does not train students in the practice
of psychology. Thus, graduates with this degree cannot conduct any form of counseling,
psychotherapy, psychological testing, or psychological evaluations. The master's program
in Clinical Psychology trains students in the practice of psychology.

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

The MPA program provides education and training for professional careers in government
agencies and non-profit organizations. It is a great way to prepare students who
seek a career in public service or to enhance the careers of those already employed
in the public sector.

Currently, our non-thesis program requires students to complete seven core courses
in subjects such as human resource administration, organization theory and behavior,
public budgeting and fiscal administration, research methods, and public policy analysis,
as well as a survey seminar in public administration. Non-thesis students are also
expected to complete twelve additional hours of electives. There is also a capstone
course requirement required of all students pursuing the non-thesis option.

We offer classes at a variety of locations and through a variety of formats. Courses
are offered at the main campus in Murray, at the English Center at Fort Campbell,
and at the new Murray State campus in Hopkinsville. We have also offered some courses
on-line as well as through interactive television (ITV) format.

Reading and Writing (M.A.Ed.)

Are you a licensed teacher seeking to enhance your literacy instruction skills and
credentials? Do you have the desire to get involved in literacy coaching or reading
recovery? If so, welcome to the Reading & Writing graduate program at Murray State
University’s College of Education.We offer preparation for teachers desiring to add
the Literacy Specialist K-12 Endorsement to their certificate. We provide advanced
knowledge and training to work with diverse student populations as they develop reading,
writing, and oral language skills.Course work includes language and literacy acquisition,
reading difficulties and cross-cultural education, literature, linking assessment
and instruction, hands-on practicum experiences, and other areas. We have designed
the program to be convenient for current teachers. For example, the practicum (REA
639-02) experience required for the degree can be completed in your own school classroom.Our
faculty members are extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced. They help you
improve your practice and put you in touch with the latest theories and innovative
teaching strategies. We stress the importance of recognizing a variety of literacies
and the meaningful use of literacy and language to improve students' quality of life.Graduate
Programs in Reading & Writing The College of Education at Murray State University
provides graduate programs in Reading & writing for candidates seeking Masters and
30 above certification. Candidates in the Masters degree program may take coursework
that meets requirements for the Reading/Writing Endorsement for Grades P-12. Students
must apply for admission to the Graduate Program. Students should read the MSU Graduate
Bulletin carefully and consult with their advisor.

School Administration (M.A.Ed. and Ed.S.)

School Administration offers a Master of Arts and an Education Specialist degree in
Educational Administration, as well as several Kentucky administrative endorsements.
The programs are designed for certified teachers who are interested in leading schools
and districts in the state of Kentucky. The College of Education at Murray State
University is NCATE accredited and therefore the degree programs meets the certification
requirements in most other states.

Information for New Students

PK-12 Principal and Career Technical Education Principal Certificate

Our new program, the Regional Partnership for Principal Preparation is a 30-hour,
cohort-based program that culminates in a second master’s degree and Level 1 School
Principal certification. Admission requirements include: (1) a master’s degree, (2)
three years of teaching experience, (3) successful completion of an application and
interview during the recruitment period, and (4) a letter of support and MOA from
your school district.

Supervisor of Instruction, Director of Special Education, and Director of Pupil Personnel

Our central office endorsements are built upon the school principal endorsement. Admission
to these endorsement programs requires that you have either a Masters in School Administration
or already hold an endorsement in one administrative area and will simply be adding
another. For new students, this means that you will need to start in one of the cohorts
and complete the Master’s degree prior to entering into these endorsements. Courses
for these endorsements are offered as ‘stand-alone’ and not through a cohort. See
the Revised Catalog for specific details.

School Superintendent

The School Superintendent program is largely unchanged, as experience as an administrator
has always been required for this endorsement. See the Revised Catalog for more details.

Option 6 of the Alternative Routes for Administrator Certification

Since 2001, Murray State University has offered a means by which school districts
can broaden an applicant pool with the inclusion of persons not yet certified. These
candidates would then have 2 years to complete all requirements. Effective July 1,
2011 Alternative Certification candidates must be part of a Cohort for initial certification.
There are other provisions for the Executive Program and endorsement extension.

School Counseling (M.A.Ed. and Ed.S.)

The Counselor Education (CNS) Program at Murray State University is dedicated to providing
quality education and training for individuals pursuing a profession in the field
of counseling or school psychology. Program options include a Master of Arts in School
Counseling and an Education Specialist with emphasis in School Counseling, Clinical
Mental Health Counseling or School Psychology, as well as related school counseling
and school psychology endorsements. These programs are designed for persons with an
academic and/or experiential background in the helping professions such as, but not
limited to, education, social work, psychology, and communication disorders.

Professional Counseling is a dynamic and invaluable career in today’s world of mental
health care and is a necessary and compatible companion to other mental health professions.

Career Outlook – According to the United States Department of Labor,“Overall employment
of counselors is expected to increase by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is
faster than the average for all occupations. However, growth is expected to vary by
specialty. Employment for educational, vocational, and school counselors is expected
to grow by 14 percent . . .Employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow
by 24 percent . . .”

Secondary Education - Teacher Leader (M.A.Ed.)

If you want to assume a leadership role within your school but you do not necessarily
wish to become an administrator, the Master of Arts in Education, Teacher Leader Program
is for you. Upon completion of the 30-hour program, you will earn a Rank II and Teacher
Leader Master's designation as well as the Teacher Leader Endorsement. All certifications
are required to take 15 hours of core courses in addition to the 15-18 hours of required
for a specialization or endorsement. For more detailed information regarding the Teacher
Leader Master's Degree Program, please download the advising guide or speak to your
advisor.

Special Education - Teacher Leader (M.A.Ed.)

This program is designed for individuals certified in learning and behavior disorders.
The program can also be used as a basis for developing a Rank I program. This program
is designed for individuals certified in learning and behavior disorders. This program
can also be used by students with a Rank II status to obtain Rank I status.

Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)

The master's degree is a two-year program, with thesis and non-thesis tracks. The
program includes graduate course work and multiple clinical practicum experiences
each semester. These experiences include the MSU Speech and Hearing Clinic, three
preschool programs, area schools, hospitals, and various medical settings. The program
is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association.

Speech-language pathology is an education/health-related profession whose practitioners
work in schools, hospitals, skilled care facilities, rehabilitation centers and clinics.
Graduates are eligible for the Clinical Certificate of Competence (CCC) from the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as professional licensure in most states
in the U.S. Professionals work with various developmental child speech and language
disorders, voice, stuttering and neurogenic disorders with adults, oral communication
disorders resulting from oral, facial, or laryngeal pathologies and traumas, or aural
habilitation with hearing impaired populations. Employment opportunities are widely
available, with critical shortages in some parts of the country.

Sustainability Science

The Sustainability Science M.S. program is an interdisciplinary exploration of sustainability
issues related to science, appealing to students with interests in the environment,
advanced technology, and sustainable development. Integrating knowledge and experiences
from each Jones College of Science, Engineering, and Technology department as well
as the Hutson School of Agriculture and the College of Education; the Sustainability
Science M.S. is designed to provide students with a Master's level of understanding
of topics including ecological health, advanced energy technology, and other scientific
applications of sustainability. The program is designed to encourage the implementation
of sustainable practices in response to local, regional, national, and global issues.
The course of study allows specialization in one of four tracks: Agricultural Sustainability,
Environmental Sustainability, Industrial and Technical Sustainability, and Sustainability
Education. All students must complete a core curriculum, two restricted electives,
advanced courses in their area of interest, and a capstone two-semester practicum
in which students design and implement a project in collaboration with a faculty mentor
that applies their knowledge of sustainability. You can find the curriculum here.

After completion of this program of study, students will have a graduate-level understanding
of sustainability science, including topics such as ecological health, advanced energy
technology, and other scientific applications of sustainability. Students will be
able to apply such knowledge to create solutions to current environmental problems,
and have the potential to lead the world to a more sustainable future.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (M.A.)

This masters program provides the educational skills to teach English to students
whose first language is in another language. In addition to the six semester hours
credit for practicum and internship requirements, the program requires 28 hours of
specified coursework, including courses in applied linguistics, teaching methods,
language and culture, course design, intercultural competence, evaluation, computer-assisted
language learning, and seminars in grammar, writing, and speaking.

The M.A. in TESOL is the recognized teaching degree in the field of English as a Second
Language (ESL) instruction, a field that has shown phenomenal growth in the past few
years. This degree is regularly cited as the preferred degree in position announcements
for community college and university teaching positions in pre-college English programs
for international students; positions in industry in training programs for non-English
speaking employees; and positions to teach English in primary and secondary schools
and colleges outside the U.S. The ESL Certificate Endorsement certifies holders of
valid Kentucky Teaching Certificates to teach pre-K through 12 ESL in Kentucky public
schools.

Teacher Education and Professional Education (Ed.S.)

The Ed.S. program is designed to fulfill course requirements for Rank I classification.
Admission to the program requires a Masters Degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The
program must be PREPLANNED* with a specialist committee which consists of three faculty
members and includes 30 semester hours of graduate level course work. A minimum of
15 hours must be completed in professional education and a minimum of 15 hours of
courses completed at the 600 level, and at least 18 hours of credit must be taken
at Murray State. Courses for specialization may be selected to enhance current certification
or to work toward new certification or to address professional needs and interests.
Applicants must hold a Rank II Certificate or its equivalent.

Telecommunications Systems Management (TSM) (M.S.)

This is Kentucky's only Program of Distinction of its kind and is one of very few
in the nation and the world. The TSM graduate program provides students with a very
unique competitive edge rarely found in other graduate programs; graduates from the
program come away knowing how to manage technology, as well as how to manage with
telecommunications technology. This unique combination of skills is possible because
of the program's interdisciplinary nature, combining technical and technology skills
with business skills to produce well-rounded, competitive-edge graduates for the 21st
Century telecommunications industry.

The full time program is offered in Murray, while the online program is also available.
Students complete ten graduate courses (30 credit hours) broken down into 24 hours
of required courses (8 courses) and six hours of electives (2 courses).

Graduates from this program have gone to work in the U.S. and some foreign countries
for banks, insurance companies, technology companies, governmental agencies, and universities
in such positions as telecommunications systems administrator, technical sales executive,
internet engineer, SQL database administrator, information technology analyst, business
development executive, e-commerce developer, and data network supervisor, among many
others.

Library Media (MA Ed)

Libraries are not just for books any more—technology is just as important. Overall,
school libraries are about literacy—21st century literacy—reading all kinds of documents,
both print and online, and knowing how to use them to answer questions and support
your research. If your passion isn’t just about Winnie the Pooh and Harry Potter,
but also includes wikis and Facebook, if helping kids learn and learn how to learn
excites you, then library media is for you.

Murray State University offers a master’s degree in education in library media that
is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree or above. Candidates with a master’s
degree who are looking for a rank change may take this program, since a second master’s
degree qualifies for a Rank I. The degree, together with the Praxis II for Library
Media Specialist, will qualify you for certification as a school media librarian for
P-12 in Kentucky.

Graduates from this program have gone to work in the U.S. and some foreign countries
for banks, insurance companies, technology companies, governmental agencies, and universities
in such positions as telecommunications systems administrator, technical sales executive,
internet engineer, SQL database administrator, information technology analyst, business
development executive, e-commerce developer, and data network supervisor, among many
others.

There are two tracks: If you are already certified as a teacher, you will take the
following: MA in Education in Library Media for Certification in Library Media.

The degree is 34 credit hours, most of which are online, except for 4 practicum classes,
where you work in a school library under the supervision of an experienced certified
school media librarian. The GRE is not required for admission to the program.

If you do not have a prior certification, you will take the following: MA in Education
in Library Media for Initial Certification. This track is also 34 credit hours, but
includes 12 weeks of student teaching at the end of the program. Students seeking
initial certification in education (not currently certified in any educational area)
must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education, including completing
200 hours of field experience, in compliance with 16 KAR 5:040 (3). The GRE is not
required for admission to the program, but for entry into teacher education, you are
required to have a minimum score of 400 in both the verbal and quantitative areas
of the GRE, or you can take the PPST, with minimum scores of 173 in math and in reading
and 172 in writing.

Watershed Science (M.S.)

Because of the significant increase in knowledge regarding aquatic ecosystems dynamics,
the formulation of management strategies, and the importance of this field of study
to future management of our nation's surface water resources, the WSI created the
M.S. in Watershed Science degree program. Utilizing each of the three WSI research
centers (CAL, HBS, and MARC) the M.S. in Watershed Science is organized as an interdisciplinary
program that provides students with a unique approach to watershed science. The program
is designed around teaching and research resources of the WSI and will utilize the
region's extensive aquatic ecosystems.

Career and Technical Education (M.S. CTE)

Upon completion of the 30-hour program, you will earn a Rank II and Teacher Leader
Master's designation as well as the Teacher Leader Endorsement. All certifications
are required to take 15 hours of core courses in addition to the 15 hours of required
for a specialization or endorsement. If you would like more information about the
program, please download the advising guide or speak to your advisor.

Postsecondary Education Administration (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education Administration (PSE) prepares emerging
leaders to become transformational practitioners of higher education and student affairs
within the context of the P-20 environment. The mission of the program is to develop
influential leaders that understand the comprehensive nature of higher education and
can apply alternative solutions to contemporary issues within the field.

The PSE program targets those who desire a career in this exciting field as well as
individuals with an established career in higher education looking for advancement.
The core curriculum fosters growth in research, human relations, multicultural inclusion,
and leadership theory. The two supervised internships offer students an opportunity
to test drive functional areas in higher education from an administrative perspective.
Faculty advisors will work closely with each student to identify site placement to
best serve his/her personal and professional goals. The specializations in Higher
Education and Student Affairs are differentiated by nine credit hours of predetermined
courses.

Ed.D in P-20 & Community Leadership

The EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership program will produce bold and innovative
agents of change to lead to P-20 initiatives that will benefit communities and organizations
in which they will serve. This program is one of the FIRST doctorates in the nation
to provide an innovative and integrated P-20 approach to educational leadership across
the continuum.

The Doctor of Education in P-20 and Community Leadership program is designed for working
professionals and has been intentionally designed with a cohort approach to learning.
Program faculty will assist each cohort to develop into an effective and productive
learning community wherein students challenge and support one another. We believe
that a cohort approach for adult learners fosters a spirit of camaraderie and leads
to a higher completion rate as compared to other approaches to doctoral studies.

In addition, the composition of the cohort represents a variety of specialized interests
including pK-12 education, higher education, STEM leadership and community leadership.
Such diverse professional networks are valuable for career development, professional
growth and support, as well as future collaborative projects and initiatives across
sites, districts, or institutions of higher education.

The executive-style delivery of blended (weekend and web-enhanced) courses speaks
to the needs of leaders surveyed in our service region. The cohort will meet, in person,
four weekends per semester with the remainder of the coursework being completed via
an online/distance media. There is also a one week residency on campus during the
first summer semester.

School Psychology

Welcome to the Murray State University School Psychology program! We offer two School
Psychology training options, both of which lead to certification as a School Psychology
allowing program completers to work in pre-K to 12 schools. The original program,
established in 1997, is considered a "6th year" program because it requires a master's
degree in a related field (e.g., counseling, psychology, communication disorders)
as a prerequisite for admission. Additional specialization coursework, depending upon
the student's entire graduate academic record, is provided which leads to certification.
The 6th year program consists of 60 total graduate hours (6 of which are the year-long
internship).

The newest program we offer is the Specialist in Education Degree program. Unlike
the 6th year program, this program does not require a masters degree as a prerequisite
for admission. Students can be accepted into the program after they obtain an undergraduate
degree in a related field. The specialist degree requires 66 credit hours for completion.
Like the 6th year program, 6 credit hours are the year-long internship. The required
coursework for both programs is identical, although the Ed.S degree program requires
one additional course in research-the specialty study.

The philosophy of the School Psychology program is to prepare generalists who can
offer a wide range of assessment, consultation, and intervention services to a diverse
population of children, teachers, and schools. As such, the coursework for the School
Psychology programs consists of specialized training, supervision, and field experiences
in child development, learning, assessment, mental health counseling, and academic
intervention.&nbsp; The training in psychology and education provides the skills to
work with preschoolers, children, adolescents, teachers, and families, and emphasis
is placed on developing the skills needed to work with all school personnel to help
make education a positive and rewarding experience for students. For more details
about School Psychology as a profession, go to NASPonline.org.